More days passed. I didn’t know how many. And then I got a text from Vinny that I couldn’t ignore.
DT wants 2 C U. 24 Wind Terrace.
It was decision time.
I knew I had to move quickly or Diamond Tony would be gone when I got there. He never stayed long in meeting locations.
Within half an hour, I showed up at the address on the northeast side. I’d been here before. It was the boarded-up town house with the cushy living room where I thought I’d be murdered but instead was promoted to lieutenant. I went up the steps and was met by the Cuz.
“Don’t take it personal, but we gotta pat you down,” Tyrell said.
“We do it to everybody these days,” Remy added. “Tony’s orders.”
I spread my arms and legs for the pat down.
Then I stepped inside. I walked down the dingy hall into the living room. Tony and Vinny were waiting.
“Darren, my man.” Tony came up to me, grabbing my hand and giving me a back pound. “How’s Jessica?”
The sound of her name on his lips made me sick. I wanted to kill him right then and there. “Alive.”
“Good. Vinny gave me your message.”
I didn’t give a fuck if I’d pissed him off. I’d meant every word. That bullet should’ve hit him instead of Jessica.
“You were right,” Tony said evenly. “That bullet was meant for me. And your girl took it. I respect your sacrifice.”
I stared at him blankly. He made it sound like Jessica took the bullet to save his life. He was totally deluded.
“I know this has been a hard time for you, Darren. Has been for all of us. You heard about Kamal and Pox.”
“Yeah.”
“In times like these, we have to stick together. You feel me?”
Now would be the time to tell him I was done. I wanted out. But before I could say anything, he spoke again. “I’ve lost good soldiers, Darren. But I have a business to run. I need to promote two lieutenants to executive positions. Ray-go has agreed to step up. And both he and Vinny recommended you.”
It took a second for his words to register.
I wasn’t sure what to say. I needed to think, but I couldn’t think with Tony watching me.
“I know you’re wondering why I haven’t dealt with the Bloods who did this yet. I promise you, I will. Our revenge will be brutal and complete. It will be a Blood bath.” He smiled.
My gut twisted.
“I need a decision from you, Darren. Being an executive is a privilege. Vinny can tell you all about it. But you’ve got to devote yourself to it. I need to know you’ll be on your game even though your girl’s in the hospital.”
When I hesitated, he went on. “If you become an executive, you can be a part of the retaliation against the Bloods.”
My mind spun. If I turned down the position, I’d be giving up my best chance to put him away. I’d be giving up my chance to avenge Jessica, Prescott, and everyone else Tony had hurt or killed.
It was now or never.
A smile came to my lips. “I’m in.”